Is Garretson, SD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.8/100
waterverge.com Garretson, SD — Water Quality Report
Garretson's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,228 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 67 violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Garretson's water
Garretson ranks #85 out of 141 cities in South Dakota for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Garretson purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Garretson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Garretson, SD water safe to drink?
Garretson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,228 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Garretson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Garretson's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4807). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4440). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Garretson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Garretson's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Minnehaha County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Split Rock Creek.
Where does Garretson's water come from?
Garretson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,228 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Split Rock Creek (river).
What Garretson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Garretson's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Garretson's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Garretson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Garretson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHS CORSON FEED CORSON, SD57005 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 7.8 mi |
CURT MANUFACTURING LLC BRANDON, SD57005 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
ALEX C. FERGUSSON LLC BRANDON, SD57005 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
MARMEN ENERGY CO BRANDON, SD57005 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
HENKEL OF AMERICA INC. BRANDON, SD57005 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMinnehaha County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Minnehaha County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Garretson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.380 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Garretson compares by contaminant
Explore where Garretson ranks among all South Dakota cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Garretson's water comes from
Garretson purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Garretson's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,228 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Garretson
Garretson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Garretson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARRETSON | SD4600138 | 1,228 | GWP |
How Garretson compares
Full South Dakota rankings →Garretson's score of 83.8/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major South Dakota cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Dakota rankings →About Garretson, SD
Wikipedia →Garretson is a city in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, United States. The city had a population of 1,228 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Garretson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Minnehaha
Frequently asked questions
Is Garretson, SD tap water safe to drink?
Garretson's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #85 out of 141 cities tested in South Dakota.
What contaminants are in Garretson's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Garretson's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Garretson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Garretson's water come from?
Garretson's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,228 residents.
What health violations has Garretson's water system had?
Garretson has 54 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Garretson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Garretson uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 67 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Garretson's water compare to other cities?
Garretson ranks #85 out of 141 cities in South Dakota (better than 40% of state cities) and #6276 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Garretson's small water system affect quality?
Garretson's system serves approximately 1,228 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 67 violations on record.